Human awareness of the
inevitability of death plays an important role in diverse aspects of life by
fueling the human needs for meaning, self-esteem, and interpersonal
connections. This talk will present our current assessment of the "state of the
theory,” the still growing body of research assessing it’s
propositions, and recent applications to diverse social
phenomena.

Psi Chi Workshop
Finding and Affording the Right Graduate Program for You2:00–2:55 p.m., WhitewaterEddy Ameen (American Psychological Association)
There are many choices to make when looking at graduate programs in psychology. This workshop will discuss (a) masters and doctorates, (b) types of degrees and subfields, (c) ways to evaluate programs on objective and subjective data, and (d) how you can afford and repay graduate school. A time for Q&A will follow.

Psi Chi Workshop
Effective Mentorship: Making the Most of Undergraduate Research4:00–4:55 p.m., WhitewaterMaria J. Lavooy (Psi Chi Past-President; Florida Institute of Technology); Roxanne Sullivan (Bellevue University); and Susan E. Becker (Colorado Mesa University)
The working relationship between you and your research mentor has a large impact on your success in research, later employment and graduate school, and general well-being during your research experience. Topics to be discussed include your preparation for research, how to nurture the working relationship, and how to structure your time and effort.

Making the Leap:
How Graduate School Is Different From Being an Undergraduate1:00–1:55 p.m., WhitewaterEddy Ameen (American Psychological Association); Doug Coleman, Stephanie Kaplan, and Barbara Woods Roberts (Idaho State University); and Sarah Lyter (Boise State University, ID)
When students first arrive at graduate school, culture shock can set in as expectations and norms for learning are starkly different from the undergraduate experience. A panel of individuals will reflect on lessons they've learned, and will share best practices for making the leap to graduate school. You will learn to not only survive, but thrive.

Diversity SessionA Quiet World: The Psychology of Hearing and Hearing Loss4:30–5:30 p.m., Aspen
David Myers, PhD (Hope College)
Drawing on personal experience and psychological science, Dr. Myers will explore the biology and psychology of hearing and hearing loss. He will also explore user-friendly assistive technologies that reflect "the human factor," and will describe efforts to double the functionality of hearing aids and cochlear implants.

David Myers, PhD, is a social psychologist who regularly communicates psychological science to college students and the general public. His talk is sponsored by RMPA's Diversity Council, Psi Chi, and Worth Publishers.

Psi Chi Leadership Session
Transitions in Chapter and Club Leadership10:20–11:20 a.m., WhitewaterSusan E. Becker (Psi Chi Rocky Mountain Vice-President; Colorado Mesa University) and Maria J. Lavooy (Psi Chi Past-President; Florida Institute of Technology)
Every academic year brings changes and challenges to Psi Chi chapters and affiliate clubs. Changes in student leadership presents challenges to faculty, and changes to faculty adviser-ship presents challenges to the student leaders. We will present best practices in student leadership development, and guidance for how to smooth the leadership transitions. Model Chapter requirements will be discussed.

Psi Chi Chapter Exchange
Innovative Philanthropy Idea Exchange1:00–2:00 p.m., WhitewaterRobyn Aguero, Victoria Gibson, and Lauren Parsons (Colorado State University, Pueblo); Jennifer Seiders and Luke Merrill (Northwest Nazarene University)
Moderators: Krista Bridgmon (Colorado State University, Pueblo) and Elizabeth List (Northwest Nazarene University)
All members of Psi Chi and Psychology Club organizations are invited to join in group idea exchange involving chapter philanthropy. The session is informal and designed for utmost interaction among those in attendance. You will leave with innovative ideas of how your chapter can give back or pay forward.

Psi Chi Chapter Exchange
Improving Your Chapter's Fund-Raising Prowess2:10–3:10 p.m., WhitewaterLindsey Wheeler, Christina Rudzinskas, Corey Engle, Lisa Brown, and Maria Jose Ytterberg (Metropolitan State University of Denver); Roger Claeys, Mike Clark, Hannah Liss, and Steven McKinley (Colorado Mesa University)
Moderator: Aaron Richmond (Metropolitan State University of Denver)
Gather with fellow chapters to discuss the challenges of fundraising and glean new and innovative ideas to improve your chapter’s fundraising in the future. Time tested methods of fundraising will be presented by officers from two of the region’s most successful chapters.